TW_01.30.12_Edition - St. John Tradewinds News
Transcription
TW_01.30.12_Edition - St. John Tradewinds News
January 30-February 5, 2012 © Copyright 2012 Package Trailer at Cruz Bay Post Office Closed by USPS Official Page 3 St. John Police Investigate Burglaries in Cruz Bay, Estate Enighed and Sirenusa Condos Page 2 “World of Dreams” St. John Tradewinds News Photos by Steve Simonsen Dinosaurs and masks were just a few of the exciting features of the impressive St. John School of the Arts original musical production “World of Dreams” fundraiser at the Westin Resort and Villas on Friday night, January 27. Resident Throws Dial-a-Ride a Lifeline But More Support Needed Page 7 Chabot Is Named Friends of VINP Volunteer of Year Page 4 OH N U , VI S ST .J St. John Relay for Life Count Down: 12 Days Did youyouR know that foR we're ReseRve ad space 2012! Issue no. 6 Is In the works. working on our next issue? email: [email protected] for more information. 2 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 VIPD Investigates St. John Break-Ins St. John Tradewinds V.I. Police Department officers on St. John last week began investigating three separate break-ins which occurred at the Cruz Bay Apartments, in Estate Enighed and at Sirenusa Condos. On Saturday, January 21, VIPD were advised of a break-in at the Caneel Bay Apartments. The victim told police that he left the apartment at about 10:45 a.m. When he returned later that day at about 9:30 p.m. he realized that an unknown person had entered the apartment through a glass door and removed a 50inch television and a black and red laptop computer. On Saturday, January 14, VIPD officers on St. John responded to two break-ins. The victim told police that he was inspecting the Sirenusa Condos and noticed damages to one unit including a broken glass dining room table, broken ceiling tiles and damage to a door. Nothing, however, seemed to be missing. On the same day a victim told VIPD officers that when he returned to this Estate Enighed home at about 11 p.m. after being gone for several hours, he noticed that someone had broken into his apartment through a locked door. Several pieces of jewelry valued at $4,000 were missing. These cases were being followed up by VIPD Criminal Investigations Bureau detectives on St. John last week. Anyone with any information regarding these break-ins is urged to call 911, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS or call the Leander Jurgen Command at 693-8880. Relay for Life Committee Explains Cancer Society Role St. John Tradewinds Last week the planning committee of the St. John Relay for Life 2012 addressed question about its role in the community which have been circulating within the community recently. The American Cancer Society St. Thomas/St. John Chapter has been in existence for 20 years. Last year, 2011, was the first year which St. John contributed to the local chapter as a community through the first St. John Relay for Life. The relay raised over $140,000 for the local chapter. The ACS St. Thomas/St. John is a communitybased voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The ACS’ prevention programs focus on tobacco cessation, sun protection, diet and nutrition, comprehensive school health education, early detection, and treatment. A variety of services and programs are available for patients, caregivers, and their families. Through its advocacy program, ACS educates policy makers about cancer and how it affects the individuals and families they represent. The monies raised by the St. John Relay for Life stays in the St. Thomas/St. John Chapter bank account. Most communities on the mainland and in Puerto Rico contribute 40 percent to the National Chapter of the ACS. This is not the case for the US Virgin Islands since the community’s needs are unique and the ACS recognizes this. The St. Thomas/St. John Chapter of the American Cancer Society is composed of people. People with a common goal of fighting cancer. It’s an army of thousands of dedicated volunteers. As a volunteer-driven grassroots organization, the ACS is composed of volunteers at every level. It is only through that partnership that the group can accomplish its goals. The community is invited to be part of a life changing event beginning at 4 p.m. on February 11 until 10 a.m. on February 12. Tradewinds Publishing llc The Community Newspaper Since 1972 Editor/Publisher MaLinda Nelson [email protected] News Editor Jaime Elliott [email protected] Writers Andrea Milam, Mauri Elbel ADVERTISING [email protected] CIRCULATION Rohan Roberts columnists & Contributors Chuck Pishko, Yelena Rogers, Tristan Ewald, Maggie Wessinger, Andrew Rutnik, Craig Barshinger, Bob Schlesinger, Jack Brown Subscriptions U.S. & U.S.V.I. only $85.00 per year Third Class PERMIT U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3 St. John, VI 00831 NEWSLINE Tel. (340) 776-6496 Fax (340) 693-8885 www.tradewinds.vi [email protected] MAILING ADDRESS Tradewinds Publishing LLC P.O. Box 1500 St. John, VI 00831 © Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. No reproduction of news stories, letters, columns, photographs or advertisements allowed without written permission from the publisher. State of Territory Address January 30 Governor John deJongh will deliver his annual State of the Territory Address before a formal session of the 29th Legislature on Monday, January 30. Senate President Ronald Russell will convene the Senate Session at 7 p.m. The Address will be delivered at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers on the grounds of the Capitol Building, St. Thomas. Sen. Millin-Young Speaking at Rotary Senator Janette Millin-Young will be the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of St. John meeting on Friday, February 10. Stop by the Beachfront Cafe at the Westin Resort and Villas at 12:15 p.m. to give the senator a warm St. John welcome. Annual Breakfast Fundraiser Is Feb. 2 Woody’s Seafood Saloon is hosting the Second Annual Breakfast at Woody’s and just like Groundhog’s Day this once-a-year event will be on Thursday, February 2, from 7 to 11 a.m. For the second year, Woody’s Seafood Saloon is the official sponsor for the St. John American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser. All proceeds will go towards Woody’s Relay team contributions. The St. John Relay for Life begins at 4 p.m. on February 11 and ends at 10 a.m. February 12. Town Meeting Scheduled for Feb. 3 Senate President Ronald Russell invited the members of the 29th Legislature to join him for a re-scheduled Town Meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3, in Cruz Bay, to discuss property taxes and other issues of importance to residents. The meeting will be in the conference room on the second floor of the St. John Legislature’s building in Cruz Bay. Topics slated for discussion include property taxes, parking, crime prevention, homelessness, public transportation, ambulance services, etc. The Town Meeting will be the first event hosted in the Legislature’s new St. John facility. For more information call the Legislature’s St. John staff at 776-6285. Second Chance Sale on February 4 St. Ursula’s Multipurpose Center, in conjunction with St. Ursula’s Anglican Church, is hosting a Second Chance Sale on Saturday, February 4. Pick up bargains on gently used and new clothing, accessories, children’s clothes, plants, household goods and more. There will be special deals on books and movies on the 99-cent table. Food and drinks will be on sale. To make a donation call 693-8580 10th Annual Vow Renewal Is Feb. 14 The public is invited to Trunk Bay on Tuesday, February 14, for the 10th annual Celebration of Love where St. John barefoot minister Anne Marie Porter will lead a vow renewal ceremony starting at 5 p.m. “All couples are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a most meaningful way,” said Porter. “It’s free and fun. Over the years, about 800 couples have renewed their marriage vows at this annual Celebration Of Love.” Annual Plant Sale Set for February 18 The V.I. Audubon Society is hosting its 15th annual plant sale on Saturday, February 18, in the Nazareth Lutheran Church yard in Cruz Bay from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 3 St. John Tradewiinds News Photos by Jaime Elliott Expecting to pick up packages at the USPS trailer, above and at right, customers were instead informed of the facility's closing. U.S. Postal Service Regional Administrator Orders Package Trailer Closed at Cruz Bay Post Office By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds “Give us a little time; we’ll get better,” U.S. Postal Service Public Information Officer Maureen Marion said last week about changes recently implemented at the Cruz Bay Post Office. Customers who waited in line in the Cruz Bay Post Office for more than 45 minutes last week, however, were not thrilled to hear the USPS asking for more time. At issue is the closure of the trailer next to the Cruz Bay Post Office which has been used for years as a place for customers to pick up packages and free up some space in the over-crowded main facility. With no notice to the public, USPS Regional Administrator Steven Hernandez decided to close the trailer effective Monday, January 23. Customers accustomed to retrieving packages at the trailer last week found the facility locked and a notice on the door announcing the closure with no explanation. The use of an outside facility to store mail is not a common prac- tice within the USPS, according to Marion. “We want the St. John Post Office to be just like every other post office in the entirety of the Caribbean and the contiguous United States,” said Marion. “We do not use separate facilities. We want to keep all of our stuff in one spot.” “The fact that we had a separate facility just for packages for pick up is not typical,” Marion said. Marion was not sure if Hernandez actually visited the Cruz Bay Post Office before making the decision or not. “The decision came from the district manager who is based in Puerto Rico,” said the USPS PIO. “I am not sure if he visited the facility or if he was in contact with the staff at the facility. But he is at the top for the decision and the buck stops right at his table.” Closing the package trailer has also enhanced security for USPS customers on St. John, according to Marion. “One of our concerns is to have mail in the most stable location,” she said. “Mr. Hernandez is new and is taking security with mail very seriously. He believes shortterm maybe you have a question mark, but long-term this change is going to help us with a lot of the issues that we need to address.” “We want mail inside our buildings for security reasons,” said Marion. While admitting that the USPS did not “get off on the right foot” in terms of the trailer closing, Marion explained that the move is just one step in an overall planned revamping of the facility. “We know that there is a lot of work that needs to be done and that the start of this process was not a smooth one,” said the USPS PIO. “We are committed to making it better for people on St. John. For our purposes this is a very unusual situation and we’re going to handle it as a priority because we want to get it right.” “We know that it is going to get better; there is no question,” said Marion. “The district administrator knows that there is a need for us to re-access what we’re doing at this facility and we believe that having separate units is not going to be helpful.” USPS regional officials are fully aware that they have a lot of work to do to improve service at the Cruz Bay Post Office and nothing — not even relocating to a new facility — is off the table, according to Marion. “We are just at the beginning of this resolution process,” said Marion. “We are certainly not even at mid-stream, much less the end of this. We have a lot of work to do and we are committed to doing what we have to do.” “The first step was getting our hands around the whole of the situation,” said the USPS PIO. “We’re looking at our space and our foot traffic and I would say that relocating is possible. Nothing is off the table at this point.” While reopening the package pick-up trailer is not likely, customers can share their opinions about the USPS move by calling 1-800-275-8777, according to Marion. “At this juncture, I don’t think the storage unit for use as a distribution point for parcels is going to happen, but I’m not going to take anything off the table,” she said. “We recognize that it is a difficult situation but Mr. Hernandez is committed to making it better for St. John.” Continued on Page 20 INDEX Business Directory .............14 Church Directory .................14 Classified Ads .....................17 Community Calendar ...........16 Crime Stoppers ...................15 Crossword Puzzle ...............16 Ferry Schedules .................14 Letters ...........................12-13 Obituary ..............................13 On the Market .....................10 Police Log ...........................15 Real Estate ....................18-19 Senator at Large Reports ...11 Thursday, Feb. 2nd 4 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 Happy Holidays! St. John Tradewiinds News Photo Friends of VINP President Joe Kessler presents Friend Volunteer of the Year award to Jeff Chabot during the group's annual meeting. Chabot Is Friends’ Volunteer of Year, UVI Presidents Gives Keynote Address at Annual Friends of the VINP Meeting Say No To WaPa Island Solar Grid tie systems Battery stand alone systems Solar Hot water systems Solar Pool Pumps SAVE $$$$$$$ Dan Boyd “Off-grid living for 10 years on Lovango Cay.” t: 340-642-0351 e: [email protected] A V.I. Energy Office Authorized Vendor • Licensed & Insured By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds About 100 Friends of Virgin Islands National Park members and supporters packed the T’ree Lizards Restaurant at Cinnamon Bay on Sunday afternoon, January 22, for the group’s annual meeting. While enjoying light refreshments and snacks, guests heard from Friends President Joe Kessler who spoke about the group’s accomplishments and programs in 2011 as well as its upcoming plans for the year ahead. Kessler also presented Friends’ Volunteer of the Year award to Jeff Chabot, who is celebrating his final year of supplying endless hours of volunteer manpower clearing trails throughout VINP. “This is Jeff’s last year working with us since, as he says, he’s ‘moving on to greener pastures,’” said Friends’ development director Heather Ruhsam. “He’s looking forward to switching gears and we are really hoping to be able to find someone to work with Jeff before he leaves. Jeff is irreplaceable, but we’d like to find someone who will try to fill his shoes.” Friends also honored VINP Deputy Superintendent Mike Anderson as the group’s Park Partner of the Year. The keynote speaker for the event was University of the Virgin Islands president Dr. David Hall, who spoke about how much of the work which Friends and UVI accomplish intersects, explained Ruhsam. “Taking off from a book he wrote about sacred riv- Richard and Cherry Glass accept park volunteers of the year awards from VINP Superintendant Mark Hardgrove. ers, Dr. Hall spoke about how UVI and Friends of VINP are sacred rivers which crisscross in the Virgin Islands in terms of educating our youth and working to preserve not only the environment, but also the culture and the people,” said Ruhsam. During the meeting, VINP Superintendent Mark Hardgrove gave the State of the Park address and honored Cherry and Richard Glass as the VINP Volunteers of the Year. “It was wonderful to have all of our speakers and to honor the volunteers who work so hard for us,” said Ruhsam. “It was a great turn out and people were very supportive. It was a nice event.” St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 5 “World of Dreams” Musical Wows Audience By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds “Amazing,” “stunning,” and “incredible,” were just a few of the pronouncements made by the audiences which filtered out of the Westin Resort and Villas ball room on Friday night, January 27, following both performances of “World of Dreams.” After three weeks of tireless work — all donated by five esteemed Broadway actors who also paid their own airfare to the island and spent about 40 hours each week with students — fourth grade students from across St. John amazed their family members, friends and St. John School of the Art supporters with impressive performances of the original musical production of “World of Dreams.” Fourth grade students from Gifft Hill School, Julius E. Sprauve School and Guy Benjamin School, along with St. John School of the Arts students, led the audience on a wild, wonderful, scary and fantastical journey through the dream world. From pirates and colorful fish, to zombies and fairies, “World of Dreams” kept the audience on the edge of its seat and alternating between bouts of laughter and fighting the urge to jump up and dance along. The brainchild of SJSA board of directors member Ronnie Lee, who has extensive ties to Broadway dating back to his teen dancing years, last week marked the second Broad- St. John Tradewiinds News Photo by Steve Simonsen Students from JESS, GBS and GHS and SJSA thrilled the audience during two sold-out performances of "World of Dreams." way Comes to St. John SJSA fundraiser. The program funds the only St. John arts school, which in addition to offering an array of classes at its facility also leads arts classes at schools across the island. Each school agreed to work with SJSA on the program which imparts cooperation, coordination and camaraderie along with the actual learning of the dances and songs, not to mention being a part of a critically acclaimed show. Five professional Broadway actors, John Tartaglia, Laura Barnao, Rhonda Miller, Michael Shawn Lewis and Donna Drake, arrived on St. John in early January and dove head first into the task of teaching each step in each dance and each word to each song to the students. The actors also worked closely bacK TO yOUR beST SelF with SJSA dance students who rounded out the January 27 performance, taking the lead in the crowd favorite “Thriller” number. There was no one star in “World of Dreams,” instead each student played a vital role in the show which added up to one impressive evening. SJSA sold angel tickets for $200 each for the 6 p.m. performance, which also included a champagne reception and dinner at one of Cruz Bay’s top restaurants, and school officials had no problem selling out of the 100 seats set aside. The 8 p.m. performance was open to the public for a suggested, but not mandatory, donation and the community came out in force. There was standing room only for the 8 p.m. show, but not one member of the audience was heard complaining about having to stand. SJSA also sold raffle tickets for a threenight New York City stay, tickets to three Broadway shows, and dinner at several top restaurants and Miles and Susan Stair were the big winners! SJSA board of directors member Lee also auctioned off two tickets to the widely popular Tony-winning Broadway show “Book of Mormon,” which fetched SJSA about $2,000, thanks to Andy and Joy Stillman who won the bidding war. Before the last piece of glitter even fell to the carpeted floor of the Westin ball room, the night was proclaimed a rousing success! Bravo! Seafan coral bracelet Present this ad and receive $10 off any 50-minute treatment.* Take your mind and body to a better place with a Westin WORKOUTTM or Spa Service. Full range of cardio and strength equipment Daily, weekly, and annual membership packages Massages, facials, body wraps, manicures and pedicures For more inFormation, please call 340.693.8000, ext 1903/1904 R&I PATTON goldsmithing Mongoose Junction 776‐6548 (800) 626‐3445 *Spa Services Discounts are available to residents of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with valid ID. a copy of this ad and ID must be presented when making appointment. limit one per customer. ©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. all rights reserved. Westin is the registered trademark of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. WR-FitnessClub TW 3.2011.indd 1 3/23/11 6:44 PM [email protected] www.pattongold.com 6 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 DPW Accepting Construction Bids for New St. John Basketball Court St. John Tradewinds Department of Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls announced on Friday, January 26, that the V.I. government is requesting proposals from contractors interested in working on a project to upgrade and improve the basketball courts in Pine Peace, St. John. Contractors who are interested in working on the project can submit bids to the Department of Property and Procurement’s Division of Procurement for $75. “The Pine Peace basketball court improvement project is an important part of our overall effort to improve recreational areas and facilities throughout the territory, especially for our young people,” Smalls said. “Along with our partners on this effort, especially the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation and the Office of the St. John Administrator, we look forward to bringing this upgraded court to the people of St. John.” The Request for Proposals is currently being advertised in the Virgin Islands Daily News, the St. Croix Avis and the St. Thomas Source. Documents can be obtained from Property and Procurement at www.pnpvi.org. BIR Main St. Thomas Office Now in Red Hook St. John Tradewinds Claudette Watson-Anderson, CPA, Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, reminded all taxpayers last week that the Bureau’s St. Thomas office is now located in Red Hook at the East End Plaza, which is directly across from the Red Hook dock. This is the main St. Thomas office, which offers all services for all types of taxes. Taxpayers unable to travel to the Red Hook location can visit the Nisky Center office to make a payment on any outstanding taxes. Watson-Anderson is pleased to offer services at these two locations to provide taxpayers with alternate sites to conduct business with the Bureau. All telephone numbers remain the same. Taxpayers with questions about refund inquiries, audits and delinquent accounts can contact the Bureau’s office on St. Thomas at 7151040. St. John Tradewiinds News Photo by Jaime Elliott Check out Canines, Cats and Critters new digs during an open house this Friday. New Canines, Cats and Critters Is Hosting February 3 Open House By Jaime Elliott check out the expanded pet supplies and pet food St. John Tradewinds available. Heard some dogs barking along Centerline Road Open House guests will also not want to miss the near the old Moses Laundromat lately? recently painted walls of the new doggy play area, Don’t be alarmed, it’s just the new home of the which has been completed with turf flooring. Guests island’s only veterinary Canines, Cats and Critters. will also enjoy drinks and food, explained Canines To be sure that everyone knows where the new staff member Laurie Damron. office is located, Canines Cats and Critters staff is “We really just want to invite the island to come hosting an Open House on Friday, February 3, from and visit and see what we are all about, and enjoy 5 to 7 p.m. some cocktails and socializing while here,” said The public is invited to stop by the new Center- Damron. “It’s a great opportunity for people to meet line Road office and meet the staff, tour the facil- the staff who will be taking care of their animals CafeTWind12Ad.pdf 11/10/11 8:44:15 AM ity, see the new boarding and grooming areas and while they are away.” Beautifying America’s Paradise Providing Service for Over 20 Years ROBERT CRANE Huge Discount on volume sales ARCHITECT, A.I.A. P.O. BOX 370 CRUZ BAY, ST. JOHN U.S.V.I. 00831 Happy Holidays! Coral Bay Garden Center Open TuesdaySunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel: 693-5579 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K (340) 776-6356 crane St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 7 St. John Resident Throws Dial-a-Ride Lifeline, But More Support Needed By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds After more than 20 years of serving St. John senior citizens, Governor John deJongh, with a stroke of his pen, spelled the end of Dial-a-Ride last month. The governor line item vetoed a measure which would have enabled the St. John Community Foundation to continue operating the vital service for the island’s elderly and disabled citizens. Facing accumulated costs of $40,000 since the beginning of the year, the SJCF board voted in midJanuary to discontinue the transportation service, explained the group’s executive director. “We were forced to cancel Diala-Ride because we had accumulated over $40,000 in costs which we were hoping would be covered by a government appropriation,” said SJCF executive director Celia Kalousek. With no appropriation thanks to deJongh’s veto, SJCF could not continue to rack up debt. Last week, however, the program was thrown a life line thanks to Andy Stillman, who gave a $20,000 donation which SJCF officials hope to see matched by additional donations in order to keep Dial-a-Ride running at least in a limited capacity. “On Thursday afternoon, Andy Stillman came into my office and asked ‘What do we need to do to save Dial-a-Ride,’” said Kalousek. “I told him we were trying to get the government to give us the $56,000 we requested which would get us through the end of the year. He wrote a check for $20,000 which needs to be matched by businesses or individuals in the community in order for Dial-a-Ride to continue.” SJCF officials are still trying to obtain government funding in “We still need that $56,000. We need those funds in order to reinstate full service, but with this donation, along with the matching donations we’re hoping for, we will be able to reinstate limited services for our seniors.” – Celia Kalousek order to secure full Dial-a-Ride services beyond this fiscal year, Kalousek added. “We still need that $56,000,” she said. “We need those funds in order to reinstate full service, but with this donation, along with the matching donations we’re hoping for, we will be able to reinstate limited services for our seniors. About 20 St. John senior citizens traveled to St. Thomas on Friday, January 20, to tell their senators how important Dial-a-Ride services are during a scheduled hearing on the matter. The senior citizens arrived at the St. Thomas Legislature building about a half hour early for the scheduled 10 a.m. meeting. Without even entering the meeting hall, however, senators voted to reschedule the meeting for that afternoon at 1 p.m. The seniors returned to the Legislature meeting room at 1 p.m. only to be informed that senators had voted to reschedule the Dial-a-Ride hearing for the following week. “We couldn’t afford to bring everyone back over the next week again,” said Kalousek. While the senators did not have a chance to hear directly from the island’s seniors, it seems at least some St. John residents were listening. The Stillman’s contribution is certainly a step in the right direction for the program, but addi- tional support is needed, Kalousek explained. “As Andy put it, ‘These seniors support businesses in the community and now those businesses need to support the seniors,’” she said. For more information about St. John Dial-a-Ride or to make a tax deductible donation, call Kalousek at 693-9410 or send a check to P.O. Box. 1020, St. John, VI, 00831, and write “Dial-a-Ride” in the memo line. In an effort to save as much funding as possible, SJCF is also looking for donated office space. The group is looking for alternatives to the rent it pays for its current office on the third floor of The Marketplace and would be interested in any kind of office with a phone line and internet access, explained Kalousek. “We’re trying to cut our expenses down to the wire in order to shift all of those funds to provide actual services for residents,” she said. “Right now our office is 16 feet by 16 feet, which is plenty of space for us. A phone line and internet connection would be nice too.” The office space would only be temporary as SJCF officials expect to have an office space constructed on its two-and-a-half-acre Gifft Hill parcel by the end of the year, Kalousek added. O'Neil Approved for V.I. Real Estate Commission The St. John Board of Realtors is proud to announce that long time Broker/Realtor Christie O’Neil, of Holiday Homes of St. John, Inc., has been nominated and received Senate approval to serve on the Virgin Islands Real Estate Commission. The Board congratulates O’Neil and is grateful for her willingness to serve on the commission. 8 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 TWO 1BR 1B W/LOFT AND SHARED POOL OFF-GRID CAPABLE SOLAR POWER AND WIND GENERATOR COMPOSTING SEPTIC SYSTEM AND WATER RECYCLING DOME CONDOMINIUMS WWW.CORALBAYDESIGNBUILD.COM $495,000 (EA) LOTS FOR SALE FROM $225,000, COMPLETED ROAD AND UTILITIES 779-7445 Seaview Vacation Homes, Inc. Short Term-Full Service Since 1985 Vacation Villa ManageMent 24 years of on island rental service e: [email protected] w: www.seaviewhomes.com t: 340-776-6805; toll-free 1-888-625-2963 Experienced . Personalized . Professional . Proven Second Annual St. John Relay for Life Celebrates More Birthdays February 11-12 By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds The Second Annual American Cancer Society St. John Relay for Life is just around the corner and cancer survivors are invited to an exquisite and exciting dinner. Team members and ACS volunteers across St. John are gearing up for the 18-hour event which kicks off on Saturday, February 11, at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 12. The event will feature music, dancing, games and more throughout the night in order to motivate teams to keep one member on the makeshift track in Winston Wells ball field at all times. The all-night fundraiser is designed to drive home the message that “Cancer Never Sleeps” but the Relay for Life is also all about “Celebrating More Birthdays,” explained planning committee member Steve Yerger. “It’s about hating cancer and celebrating more birthdays for everyone, cancer survivors and everyone,” said Yerger. Each Relay for Life — ACS fundraisers are hosted in communities across the country — features a Survivor’s Dinner, which offers those who have beaten the disease along with one caregiver, a complimentary meal during the event. Last year’s first annual St. John Relay for Life featured a luxurious Survivor’s Dinner complete with linen tablecloth, napkins and stemware. Cancer survivors and caregivers were served by volunteer waitstaff and enjoyed a scrumptious feast prepared by some of the island’s top chefs. This year, Yerger — along with Tim Hanley — is planning a birthday party celebration for the Survivor’s Dinner. Out are the linen tablecloths and in are 10 food stations offering a slice of the bounty found on St. John, explained Yerger, a chef with St. John Catering/ Mathayom Private Chefs. “This year, the Survivor’s Din- ner a is birthday party since our theme is Celebrating More Birthdays,” he said. “We’re going to have 10 stations with different types of food because we are also celebrating the melting pot that is St. John. So we’re going to have Caribbean food, and also barbecue and Asian food.” Other food stations at the Survivor’s Dinner will feature Mexican cuisine, vegetarian fare, tapas and raw food, Yerger added. “We’re also doing a clam bake thanks to Hank Slodden of Storage on Site,” he said. “Hank is supplying the event with oysters, lobsters and clams thanks to his brother-inlaw on Martha’s Vineyard who has a hook up with that.” Dinner will be a casual affair this year with the 10 food stations arranged in different styles and served buffet style, Yerger explained. “This dinner is not about being fancy or fine dining, it’s about making great food that everyone can enjoy,” he said. “We’re going WE're working on the next issue to have 10 different tables with 10 different stations and we’re hoping for some collaboration with different chefs. The other perk to having this style of dinner is that we were able to invite everyone to take part and we don’t have to cap that number really.” Yerger has received confirmation from about 40 restaurants and caterers who have already signed on to provide fare for the event, he added. “Everyone has been really supportive,” said Yerger. “All of the restaurants and caterers, even our competitors, have really stepped up to the plate for this event. Things are coming together really nicely.” It’s still not too late to get involved with the dinner. Contact Yerger at culinarysteve@gmail. com or call 998-6417 to get involved with the Relay for Life Survivor’s Dinner. Cancer survivors are welcome to register for the dinner by contacting Beverly Biziewski at 776-6833. St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 9 St. John Tradewiinds News Photo ACC board of directors members, supporters and guests enjoy Pyros of the Caribbean and fabulous food at the annual fundraising gala for St. John Animal Care Center. ACC Raises About $20K Amid Snowflakes and Icicles at Snow Ball Fundraiser By Andrea Milam St. John Tradewinds Snowflakes and icicles blanketed a tiny slice of St. John for just one evening as approximately 200 attendees partied the night away on Saturday evening, January 21, at the Animal Care Center’s annual Snow Ball fundraiser. A La Mer, the sprawling Great Cruz Bay home of Mart and Janet Marshall, played host to the event, where guests were welcomed to a winter wonderland. “We got fake snow and put it everywhere, and there were hanging icicle lights between all the palm trees, as well as little plastic snowflakes and icicles everywhere,” said ACC board past president B.J. Harris. “The color scheme was predominantly white and blue. We had three snowmen, one of which had a face cutout where people could don a fake carrot nose and have their photo taken.” The Marshalls opened their home for the event, despite the fact that there was a scheduled vacation rental at the villa just two days later. “Normally, no house would ever welcome an event like ours with a rental that soon after, but the Marshalls were kind enough to open the home to us,” said ACC board member Monica Munro. Entertainment was provided by St. John groove band The ISH, and by Pyros of the Caribbean, who lit up the night with their blazing fire dancing skills. “For a while there, we had fire and ice,” noted Harris. Several St. John restaurants and caterers donated food for the event, making for a diverse spread. We ’ v e moved Canines, Cats & Critters Our new location is 2.5 miles out of Cruz Bay on Centerline Road (next to Moses’ Laundromat) open house Friday, February 3 5 to 7 p.m. Come meet our staff and see our new facility Full Veterinary SerViceS boarding grooming pet supplies tel: 693-7780 l email: [email protected] “I think it was the crowd and the venue and the food and the music all together that made it such a fun evening,” said Harris. “Everybody was having a good time, and it was nice to see people we hadn’t seen in a while. Everybody came out in support of the ACC, which was wonderful and for which we’re very grateful.” “I can tell you that it was the best event the ACC has ever sponsored,” added ACC board member Dr. Elaine Campbell. “It was the most beautiful, best attended, best food, delightful decorations, great band, etc., etc.” Early estimates put the evening’s muchneeded fundraising at somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000 — a significant portion of the annual budget for the island’s lone animal shelter. It costs approximately $150,000 per year barefoot design group,llc licensed architect AIA member NCARB certified professional design and development services mongoose junction, po box 1772 st. john, us virgin islands 00831 tel (340) 693-7665, fax (340) 693-8411 barefootaia.com to run the ACC, and the shelter receives just $13,000 annually from the V.I. government. The rest is made up by fundraisers like the Snow Ball and additional donations. “The money goes to the shelter, for food for the feral cats, and for our spay and neutering program,” said Munro. “We run on 90 percent donations and volunteers. All the money raised goes back to the animals.” The evening was especially poignant for past president Harris, whose term on the board recently ended after seven years. “I’m still walking on snow clouds,” she said. “It was, I think, one of the best fundraisers the ACC has ever put on. The venue was magical, the turnout was amazing and the food was phenomenal.” “We’d like to thank everyone who came, and especially everyone who volunteered and donated their time,” Harris added. 10 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 Bajo el Sol Gallery Features Gail Van de Bogurt, Karen Samuel in February Show St. John Tradewinds Bajo el Sol Gallery hosting an Opening Reception for Gail Van de Bogurt and Karen Samuel on Friday, February 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Mongoose Junction gallery. Both artists will be displaying new work at the opening. During her years on St. John, artist Van de Bogurt has become know primarily for her work in clay. Her functional and sculptural ceramics grace the homes of many private collectors. Van de Bogurt continues to grow as an artist in both her three-dimensional work, which will be featured, and in her two-dimensional ability which will grace many of her ceramic pieces. Samuel’s work for the show will capture the people of the island. Working in her favorite medium, oil paints, her ability to capture the environment in which she has grown up and lives is unparalleled and her work as a seamstress is reflected in the attention to great New works by Van de Bogurt and Samuel will be on display during February. detail in her paintings. Samuel is recognized for both her art and her giving back to her community. Come celebrate with these St. John artists at the reception. Enhancing the evening will be beautiful classical guitar music by David Laabs. The gallery’s regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is located at the top of the stone steps in Mongoose Junction. For more information call 693-7070. St. John Tradewiinds News Photo Views from the pool at Dove Cottage make it difficult to pull one away from the water's edge. On the Market A feature dedicated to special homes on the market listed with Tradewinds real estate advertisers Dove Cottage: Low Impact Green Living in Luxury By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds What could be better than a private ridge-top home above Dreekets Bay with views stretching from Tortola to Hurricane Hole? What about if that home incorporated top-of-the line eco-conscious designs from solar panels right down to 100 percent recycled paper counterpoise? Dove Cottage, located on a half-acre parcel in Dreekets Bay among the island’s quiet East End neighborhoods, is for sale for $1.8 million on the St. John MLS. Holiday Homes real estate agent Sara Lovegreen is the listing agent for the property, which boasts a solar water heater, recycled and hand-painted tiles, low VOC paint, energy efficient appliances and low flush toilets, among other low-impact features. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath house also has a few exciting features thanks to mother nature. An expanse of green grass — not often seen on this tropical island — invites guests to stretch out on the lawn while the home’s site affords 280-degree views from Tortola to St. Croix and below to Hurricane Hole. Dove Cottage was originally constructed in 2000 as an off-the-grid home. It was then purchased by the current owner in 2007, when it was completely refurbished but maintained the eco-conscious design ele- St. John Tradewiinds News Photo Eco-conscious design elements continue in the living space with recycled countertops and reclaimed wood. ments, explained Lovegreen. “The property is unique because when it was originally built it was designed with solar panels and was completely off the grid,” said the real estate agent. When it was purchased in 2007, the new owner put in a pool and connected the cottage to WAPA, while maintaining the environmentally sensitive designs, according to Lovegreen. Continued on Page 14 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 11 Senator-at-Large Reports By Senator Craig Barshinger Super Bowl Party 9ft x 14ft Big Screen • 6 TVs, Annex Bar with 2 Kegs • Pretty OK nachos and wings • And don’t forget to buy a square or two! Com Sunda e join us y, 6:00p Febr uar y 5 m th (or and ro ot for ear lier) your t eam! St. John Legislature Annex Grand Opening and Town Hall Meeting Set for February 3 St. John Tradewinds St. John residents are invited to the long-awaited official opening of Legislature of the Virgin Islands, St. John annex. It will be February 3, at 6 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a general town meeting. The new building is beautiful. Come out, see it, and enjoy it! The Vendor’s Plaza legislation passed in late 2011 empowers local vendors to plan a traditional vendor’s plaza for St. John, working with the Department of Licensing and Consumer affairs. The bill gives a unique opportunity for St. John to have a hand in its own planning. A sum of $300,000 was appropriated and is still available. Catherine Stephen is prodding DLCA and all parties to fulfill this vision. Firstly, because we need it, and secondly, because the funding source could be raided at any time. Use it or loose it! A traditional vendors plaza is necessary for Cruz Bay to continue to be the charming Caribbean town that it still is; but will not remain so unless we keep working at it. The seniors of St. John flexed their democratic muscle and persuaded the senators of the 29th Legislature to reinstate funding for the Dial-A-Ride program which has served the seniors for more than 20 years. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed the funding. The St. John Community Foundation and the seniors continue to work to save it despite the veto. Simply overriding the governor’s veto would be possible, but the general fund is over-tapped, so an override might be an empty victory. Instead, we have another funding source and a compromise position that we are working on. A word to the wise: The Governor told the Senators in a meeting that he is planning to close “some” senior centers. He did not say which. We should be ready to fight for St. John senior centers, and I would recommend that each and every senior write a letter to the governor now telling him how important the services are which they receive from the St. John senior centers. This leads me to the fiscal crisis. It is crazy politics going on. First of all, the Governor is now by law required to list all bank accounts held by the Government of the Virgin Islands, and make the current balances available to the Legislature’s Post Auditor at all times. He is blatantly violating this law. Of course this leads to mistrust, so when he says that we need to borrow $90 million dollars, then $120 million dollars, how can the Legislature know what is real and what is false? The Governor has dismissed two waves of government workers, and plans to dismiss more. He said to the Legislature in recent meetings, “Give me authorization to borrow $90 million plus an increase in the gross receipts tax or I will dismiss 2,000 government workers.” We said, “If we authorize you to borrow, will you stop dismissing government workers?” He said that he could not promise that. Such craziness! Nuttin t’all go so! There were several meetings of the entire Legislature in recent weeks, some with the Governor and Cabinet, as we sought to hammer out a fiscal plan. Last Tuesday’s Session was a pitched battle, in which I was a lone pariah for much of the morning. However, as the day evolved, it became clear that other senators were not going to authorize increased taxes and huge borrowing without a clear promise from the Governor (with figures to back it up) that our workforce would be maintained. At the end of the day, borrowing was authorized, but with no tax increase to support it. The Gover- nor complained that evening that he could not borrow anything, and that more workers would be dismissed. This is a big topic that cannot be fully explored in this column, but look on www.visenate.org to see the Legislation that I proposed to solve this impasse between the Governor and the Legislature. First and foremost, it will improve the level of government services. Secondly, it calls for lateral transfers, with cross-training, to be offered when possible, instead of outright dismissals. Thirdly, it doesn’t interfere with the Governor’s executive authority, it just tells him what to do, and it is up to him to figure out how to do it. It requires him to submit a plan to the Legislature by March 1. I will offer this bill on the February 8 session. My office continues to hear cries from the public about the Legislative Audit. I have written two strongly worded letters to the senate president, urging him to report the facts behind the Legislative Audit, including names. He has not responded. If you, too, are concerned about the Legislatures misspending of $6.9 million, write, call, or email the senate president, the attorney general, and the US Attorney. Be sure to “cc” me. I am pushing this issue as hard as I can. As you can imagine, any senator who has taken money illegally is not happy with my decision to stand with the public on this issue. But I decided some time ago that my loyalty is to you, not my colleagues. Sadly, I can tell you that some of the bad practices have continued, even after the Legislative Audit was released on November 28. If we can be of assistance on these issues or any other, contact me or Catherine Stephen at 6938061 in the St. John Office. &""* &#! Rte 10 - Coral Bay / 340-779-4982 The Fiddler Returns # % (SUP) STand UP '("#("'"" Paddleboard ("*"$! renTalS Making us dance and party&for years leSSonS Island's Largest Super BowlComplimentary Party!! Board Delivery and Pickup 340-642-9419 (&%"')+& Love City Paddleboards BE CREATIVE! Glazing Guidelines Feb 2 The English Potter Feb 9-12 Potter’s Wheel 2/14,21,28 3/6 Watercolor on Beach Feb 22 Sculpting the Figure Feb 25 340-776-6226 ext 212 340-514-6594 mobile [email protected] Vezio’s Custom Painting Vezio Ricciardi / License #91505 (tel) 340-776-6134 (email) [email protected] 12 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 What Do You Think? Send your letter to [email protected] Next Deadline: Thursday, February 2nd Keeping Track of Crime 2011 2012-To-Date Homicides: 0 Homicides: 0 Shootings: 0 Shootings: 0 Stabbings: 0 Stabbings: 0 Armed Robberies: 0 Armed Robberies: 0 Arsons: 0 Arsons: 0 1st Degree Burglaries: 2 1st Degree Burglaries: 2 2nd Degree Burglaries: 8 2nd Degree Burglaries: 0 3rd Degree Burglaries: 51 3rd Degree Burglaries: 8 Grand Larcenies: 58 Grand Larcenies: 6 Rapes: 1 Rapes: 0 Crossword Answers — Puzzle on Page 16 Letters To St. John Tradewinds When You Find Yourself In a Hole Stop Digging Open letter to our elected officials: When you find yourselves in a hole the first rule is Stop Digging. The second rule is to devise a plan that all of the parties to the plan agree is the best plan for the long-term good of all affected parties; checking it along the way with objective experts with no “axe to grind.” Then, and not until then, you implement it, tweaking it only when necessary and only if all parties to the original agreement concur. With this as the concept I suggest we get the necessary people, at least one each from the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of government, plus the commissioners, the unions, and private industry, in a single room and keep meeting until you all agree the plan you have come up with is the best one for the territory. I would hope the group would keep the rules simple. Some examples: - All sessions start and end on time - Only one person speaks at a time - No profanity, personal attacks, tirades, etc. - You get to speak in the order that you raised your hand - You listen when not speaking - No cell phones - Fifteen minute breaks every 60 minutes so you can handle any personal emergencies - Replace anyone who breaks the rules. As to the press, definitely yes; but hopefully with the understanding they will print nothing derogatory until the plan is complete. Will this take time? Yes. Therefore proceed with the layoffs, elimination of perks, and please, no more long-term borrowing. Stop digging. As the song says, “Let’s walk together for a while…” Alan Brown The End Is Near Now that HOVENSA is to close its doors in February and lay off over 2,000 people and the government will lose an estimated $150 million, it’s time to get out the old “oil lamps” or go to bed early. This means no oil for WAPA and now that they will have to bring oil from the states, the price of electricity will go up from 8-cents a kilowatt to a lot higher. But the roads will be a lot nicer and more quiet as there will be no gasoline or diesel for the trucks to bring the food from St. Thomas, no ferries and no barges. But not to worry! Anybody with a boat can go to the Better Virgin Islands (BVI) where they have a lot of food and all of it at a cheaper price too. But the governor has it all under control, and promises that things will be alright in the distant future. Rest in Peace, Norm Gledhill Schneider Hospital Has Great Service I recently had elective surgery in the St. Thomas hospital and wanted to thank all of the staff for their professionalism, competence, and care. We have a very well trained, polite, and caring group of individuals employed by the Schneider Hospital. During the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to train or be employed at a number of hospitals in various states. The care I received at the St. Thomas hospital was as good as or better than any of those in the states. For a community the size of St. Thomas, we are fortunate to have a facility of such high caliber as Schneider Hospital. Being able to ”shop locally” and recover in the comfort of one’s own home is a “winwin” both for the patient and the community. If you are considering an operation or procedure in the future, I would recommend that you start by considering the facilities we have right here in the Virgin Islands. Don Porter, Pharmacist St. John, VI Island Notes from the publisher Did you know 386,000 visits were made to our website in 2011? That's pretty impressive for a small newspaper on the tiny island of St. John! — MN St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 13 Letter To St. John Tradewinds Visitor Recounts Attempted Burglary at Cruz Bay Villa I just returned from a six-day stay with friends who own a house up the hill from Cruz Bay. They had been robbed at knife-point in this home the previous year and burglarized the previous year, and as such instructed me to make sure the doors and windows were locked and blocked before I turned in for the night. I was also issued a stout club which I kept next to the bed just in case. About 2:30 a.m. the first night, my girlfriend woke me and said she had seen the shadow of a person outside our bedroom and what sounded like someone trying to force the door on an adjoining room. Club in hand, I checked the doors which were still secure so we went back to bed but not to sleep. About 10 minutes later she saw the person’s shadow again and I jumped out of bed with the club and went to the sliding glass door and sure enough there was someone slinking around on the outside patio. I raised the club and shouted a few choice expletives at the figure at which point he turned toward my direction pointing a large frame semi-auto pistol at me through the sliding glass door and said “give me the money,” “give me the money.” Had I been in my own home in Colorado my club would have been my 12 gauge Remington pump and he would have ended up about a head shorter. Realizing that the gun/club issue was not going to work in my favor, I told him the money was in the other room and I’d go get it. I walked over to the dresser grabbing my cell phone, and my girlfriend, and I ducked into the bathroom which was out of the potential line of fire. We called 911 but unfortunately did not know the street address of the home we were in. Meanwhile, my homeowner friends and another guest showed up outside my door clubs in hand, apparently scaring off the intruder in the process. I handed the phone over to the owners who told the 911 operator the correct address. Once the police arrived, we answered questions for a while, most of them pertaining to who I was and where was I from? And then they did a rather cursory sweep of the immediate area and left. They did drive by once the next night but that was about it. I did manage to enjoy the rest of my time on St. John but slept with one eye open the remaining nights. A few other points: Armed home invasions apparently don’t represent enough of a threat in the minds of the police to use flashing lights or sirens when responding to the 911 call. Neither were in use in response to my call. Don’t assume the police will step up patrols in the event of increased crime. The senior officer amongst the four policemen that responded to my situation told me they were under instructions not to be overly visible in areas like the one I was staying in (that is tourist/rental areas) because it might alarm the folks vacationing there. Call me old-fashioned but I’d much prefer being alarmed and alerted than being totally relaxed right up to the point before I got shot/stabbed/robbed etc. The robbers/burglars/whiff-heads/ whatever have graduated from knives to guns. I would recommend having a pre-arranged plan as to what your response is going to be should a similar scenario happen to you. A safe room, potential self-defense weapons, writing down the address you are staying at and having it easily accessible along with your phone, and by all means locked and secured doors and windows. I’m not making any blanket endorsement of homeowners arming themselves with firearms either, but if you are comfortable and capable with one they can make a nice out-of-any-other options fallback. I spoke with quite a few locals and overwhelmingly they took the position that the police are ineffective and are far more concerned with protecting the tourist industry than the actual tourists. Al Woodcock Longmont, Colorado Obituaries Sandra Porter-Englehart Passes Sandra Porter-Englehart died on Friday, January 20, just nine days short of her 75th birthday. A musician, she was full of life and joy. Porter-Englehart was a concert pianist and contributor to the St. John School of the Arts. She was a great friend of the late Sis Frank and loved the beauty of the island, its people and the piano “Isabelle,” whom she visited annually. Porter-Englehart is survived by her son, Mike Porter, a 17-year resident of St. John; two daughters, Adrienne Gibson (nee Porter) of Tennessee, and Dr. Lynn Porter, noted Pediatrician of the Boston area; and five Grandchildren. She loved us all and was always there for everyone she touched until the day she died. Services were hosted in Newton, Massachusetts on Saturday, January 28. Sandra Porter-Englehart St. John Tradewiinds News Photo UVI President Dr. David Hall, above, and past president LaVerne Ragster, below, both shared remarks during the Jubilee celebration at the St. John Academic Center. UVI Kicks off Year of Golden Jubilee Celebration with Reception at St. John Academic Center St. John Tradewinds More than 80 University of the Virgin Islands alumni, students, staff and supporters packed the university’s St. John annex on Wednesday night, January 25, for a reception marking the beginning of UVI’s year-long Golden Jubilee celebration. The reception took place at UVI’s St. John Academic Center on the third floor of The Marketplace. Another 300 people attended a similar reception Thursday, January 26, on St. Thomas. The third and final kick-off reception was on for January 27 at UVI’s Albert Sheen campus on St. Croix. Speaking before a supportive crowd of well-wishers on St. John, UVI President Dr. David Hall recognized the dedication of former presidents, administrators, staff, students and alumni and said he was optimistic about the university’s future. Hall encouraged UVI alumni to support the University’s “50 at 50” campaign, which aims to get 50 percent of UVI alumni to give to the university during its 50th year. Also speaking at the receptions were Past President LaVerne Ragster, President Emeritus Orville Kean and Pamela RichardsSamuel representing her father, President Emeritus Arthur Richards. President Emeritus Lawrence Wanlass presented a video message. UVI St. John Administrator Leona Smith and Senator at Large Craig Barshinger were also in attendance. 14 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 Ferry Schedules - Cruz Bay and Charlotte Amalie Birth Announcement: Logan Michael Prout Cruz Bay to Red Hook Every hour on the hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Logan Michael Prout, son of Megan Prout and the late Mike Prout, La Plancha del Mar chef/ owner, was born in California on November 8, 2011, at 7:59 a.m. He weighed 5 pounds 10 ounces and was 18 inches long. Big brother Parker was initially upset that Logan was not a girl, but quickly got over his disappointment and enthusiastically proceeded to count Logan’s fingers and toes, ensuring all 20 were there (they were). Megan is now residing in California with family. Donations to help Mike’s family in the wake of his passing can be made via the St. John Revolving Fund at both Connections locations. Red Hook to Cruz Bay Every hour on the hour from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Cruz Bay to Downtown Charlotte Amalie Leaves Cruz Bay 8:45 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 3:45 p.m. Leaves Charlotte Amalie 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 5:30 p.m St. John Tradewinds Business Directory Accommodations Caribbean Villas & Resorts tel. 1-800-338-0987 or locally 340-776-6152 Island Getaways 888-693-7676, islandgetawaysinc.com [email protected] Suite St. John Villas/Condos tel. 1-800-348-8444 or locally at 340-779-4486 VIVA Vacations tel. 779-4250 P.O. Box 1747, STJ, VI 00831 Architecture Theodore Tunick & Company Phone 775-7001 / Fax 775-7002 www.theodoretunick.com Concordia Cafe, 693-5855 Happy Hour 4:30-6pm Dinner 6-8:30pm Tues-Sat Jewelry Fish Trap Restaurant and Seafood Market tel. 693-9994, Closed Mondays R&I Patton goldsmithing Located in Mongoose Junction 776-6548 or (800) 626-3445 [email protected] Landscaping Alfredo’s Landscaping tel. 774-1655 cell 513-2971 P.O. Box 91, St. John, VI 00831 Coral Bay Garden Center tel. 693-5579 fax 714-5628 P.O. Box 1228, STJ, VI 00831 Crane, Robert - Architect, AIA tel. 776-6356 P.O. Box 370, STJ, VI 00831 Propertyking tel. 643-6348 Landscaping & Irrigation Barefoot Design Group, LLC tel. 693-7665 fax 693-8411 P.O. Box 1772, STJ, VI 00831 Property Mgmt Banking Firstbank Located in downtown Cruz Bay 340-776-6881 Scotiabank #1 Mortgage Lender in the VI The Marketplace (340) 776-6552 Beauty/Spa Westin Resorts & Villas Spa Services tel. 693-8000, ext. 1903/1904 Insurance PGU Insuracne Located at The Marketplace 776-6403; [email protected] Seaview Vacation Homes, Inc. tel. 340-776-6805; 888-625-2963 www.seaviewhomes.com Real Estate Debbie Hayes, GRI tel. 714-5808 or 340-642-5995 [email protected] www.stjohnvirealestate.com Holiday Homes of St. John tel. 776-6776 fax 693-8665 P.O. Box 40, STJ, VI 00831 [email protected] Islandia Real Estate tel. 776-6666 fax 693-8499 P.O. Box 56, STJ, VI 00831 [email protected] Restaurants La Tapa Restaurant tel. 693-7755 Open 7 Days a Week Skinny Legs “A Pretty OK Place” tel. 340-779-4982 www.skinnylegs.com Sun Dog Cafe Casual Dining at Mongoose 693-8340; www.sundogcafe.com Services C4th Custom Embroidery tel. 779-4047 Located in Coral Bay Island Solar "Off the Grid Living for 10 Years" tel. 340-642-0531 Terminix Termite, Pest, Rodent Control Problem Solved Guarantee 340-777-4423 Vezio's Custom Painting Special Techniques 340-776-6134 [email protected] St. John Tradewiinds News Photo Dove Cottage also incorporates native stone and reclaimed wood in its low-impact design features. On the Market: Estate Zootenvaal Continued from Page 10 “The owner bought the home based on the extensive green features it already had,” said the real estate agent. “She added a pool and some other upgrades but kept with the whole dedication to green design and living.” Dove Cottage also boasts local stone work, mahogany pocket doors and a large screened in porch. Sustainably harvested teak outdoor furniture, organic bedding and linens and low-impact landscaping round out the “green” elements of the cozy East End cottage. The cottage’s Dreekets Bay location also affords some unparalleled advantages as well. Deeded beach access to the pristine beach below — and the stunning reef just off-shore — paved roadways lined with native stone walls and underground utilities are already in place. And Dove Cottage could offer even more than it does already. The 0.5-acre parcel is zoned Residential-2, which allows for expansion, Lovegreen added. “The property is 0.5 acres which allows for a second dwelling or expansion of the current cottage,” she said. “The land is relatively flat since it sits on the ridge-top and there is plenty of room for building an additional pod or a whole new building.” For more information about Dove Cottage call Lovegreen at Holiday Homes at 774-8088. St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 15 St. John Tradewiinds News Photo Cook-Rutnik's "Our Father" will be one of the films featured during the second VIP mini film festival at St. John School of the Arts on Saturday, Feburary 18. Second VIP Mini Film Festival Set for February 18 at SJSA St. John Tradewinds The St. John Arts Festival in conjunction with artists Janet Cook-Rutnik and Sigi Torinus will be presenting the second VIP mini film festival at the St. John School of the Arts on Saturday, February 18, starting at 8 p.m. The festival is being produced during St. John Arts Festival week. VIP stands for Virgin Islands Productions and organizers invite local filmmakers and video artists from all three Virgin Islands to submit short videos for inclusion in this mini film festival. DVDs of videos, 10 minutes or less (exceptions may be made – ask) should be sent or dropped off at the Mail Center – c/o Rutnik, PMB 192, 5000 Est. Enighed, St. John, VI 00830 no later than February 15. Kindly include name, telephone number, email address and mailing address with DVD and any other pertinent information. Notice will be sent out immediately regarding selection. There will be a question and answer period for VIP’s; Virgin Islands Producers, to briefly talk about their work at the presentation if they are on island. For more information contact Cook-Rutnik by email at [email protected]. Correction St. John Tradewinds Despite wide-spread rumors, including a photo which ran in the January 23-29 issue of St. John Tradewinds, the motor yacht Blue Guitar does not belong to rock legend Eric Clapton. The 103-foot luxury yacht Blue Guitar was built in 1967 by Camper & Nicholsons, can accommodate up to seven guests and uses about five professional crew members, according to www.charterworld.com. The vessel is not, however, owned by Clapton, according to several St. John residents who contacted Tradewinds. Wednesday, January 18 9:56 a.m. - Gifft Hill resident p/r that the motor on his boat was stolen. Grand larceny. 12:45 p.m. - An Estate Peter Bay resident p/r that she collided into a wall in Peter Bay Estates. Auto collision. 2:05 p.m. - A Water Island resident p/r that she lost her bag with her ID, cellphone and credit cards. Lost property. 3:15 p.m. - An Estate Carolina resident p/r a landlord and tenant dispute. Landlord/tenant dispute. Thursday, January 19 10:25 a.m. - An Estate Bethany resident p/r that she needed police assistance with two backhoes that were tearing down her property. Police assistance. 11:42 a.m. - An Estate Enighed resident c/r that his residence was burglarized. Burglary in the third. 12:45 p.m. - A Serendip Condo resident p/r an assault. Simple assault and battery. 1:37 p.m. - An Estate Enighed resident p/r that he was robbed while at his residence. Burglary in the first. 3:21 a.m. - An Estate Enighed resident p/r an attempted burglary. Attempted burglary. 11:24 a.m. - An Estate Carolina resident p/r that his vehicle was damaged by a rock. Damage to vehicle. 3:29 p.m. - A V.I. Fire Department Cpl. r/ a D.O.A. at Estate Zootenvaal. DOA. Friday, January 20 3:42 p.m. - An Estate Hansen Bay resident r/ that someone destroyed signs on her property. Destruction of property. 6:09 p.m. - A citizen p/r an assault. Assault in the first. 8:56 p.m. - An Estate Pastory resident r/ a disturbance. Disturbance of the peace. Saturday, January 21 8:26 p.m. - A Caneel Bay Apartments resident r/ that his residence was burglarized. Burglary in the third. Sunday, January 22 7:49 a.m. - A visitor p/r that someone broke into his residence while he was home. Burglary in the first. 9:39 a.m. - A citizen c/r hearing shots fired in the area of Hansen Bay. Illegal discharge of firearm. 1:52 p.m. - A Gifft Hill resident c/r that his home was burglarized. Burglary in the third. Monday, January 23 3:51 a.m. - A citizen c/request police assistance in removing a female. Police assistance. 4:14 a.m. - A citizen c/r that someone removed a cash box from a VITRAN bus. Vehicle tampering. 2:07 p.m. - A visitor p/r that he lost his passport. Lost documents. 4:05 p.m. - A citizen p/r harassment. Harassment. 5:05 p.m. - A citizen p/r a lost passport. Lost passport. Tuesday, January 24 9:01 a.m. - An Estate Carolina resident p/r being involved in a verbal altercation with his girlfriend. Disturbance of the peace, D.V. 10:55 a.m. - An Estate Enighed resident p/requesting police assistance. Police assistance. 2:27 p.m. - A visitor c/r that his rental home was broken into. Burglary in the third. 4:54 p.m. - An Estate Enighed resident p/r that her cellphone and camera were stolen. Grand larceny. 5:25 p.m. - EMTs c/r that an el- derly man fell in the area of the Cruz Bay dock. Accidental injury. 9:13 p.m. - An Estate Pastory resident c/r a disturbance at her residence. Disturbance of the peace. 11:39 p.m. - A citizen c/r that her boyfriend was assaulted in Coral Bay. Assault in the third. Wednesday, January 25 3:36 p.m. - A citizen c/r a burglary. Burglary in the third. 10:40 p.m. - An Estate Adrian resident c/r that her ex-boyfriend assaulted her. Aggravated assault and battery. Thursday, January 26 7:30 a.m. - A Gifft Hill resident p/r that a vehicle drove in the direction of students coming off the school bus. Police assistance. 3:52 p.m. - An Estate Enighed resident p/r that he lost his keys. Lost keys. 5:25 p.m. - An Estate Chocolate Hole resident c/r a burglary at his residence. Burglary in the third. Friday, January 27 12:01 a.m. - An Estate John’s Folly resident c/r a disturbance at her residence. Assault in the third, D.V. 8:20 a.m. - Badge #1035 p/ at Leander Jurgen Command with one Juana Reynoso address unknown, under arrest and charged with disturbance of the peace. He was detained at the Leander Jurgen Command and later transported to the Bureau of Corrections on St. Thomas. 8:30 a.m. - Badge #1035 p/ at Leander Jurgen Command with one Courtney Matthias of Estate John’s Folly under arrest and charged with assault in the third, D.V. He was detained at Leander Jurgen Command and later transported to the Bureau of Corrections on St. Thomas. C rime S topppers U . S . V . I . Organization Seeks Information on Crimes Crime Stoppers is asking the community’s help to solve the following crimes. If anyone knows something, they should say something, as law enforcement cannot control crime without the help of the community. On Friday, January 13, a visitor dining at a restaurant in downtown Cruz Bay was asked by a black male to borrow his iPhone 4GS to make a call. After a few minutes the visitor observed the individual walking away from the restaurant. When the visitor tried to approach the individual to retrieve his iPhone the black male took off running. Also, earlier that afternoon at about 3:20 p.m., a white iPhone 4S was stolen from the counter at Turquoise Turtle when the owner went to assist a customer. Please continue to help make the community a safer place to live by telling what you know about these or any other crimes at www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips are completely anonymous, and the stateside operators speak several languages. If a tip leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property, illegal drugs, or weapons, the tipster will receive a cash reward to be paid according to their instructions. 16 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 PREMIER Crossword St. John Tradewinds welcomes notices of community-oriented, not-for-profit events for inclusion in this weekly listing. Call 776-6496, e-mail [email protected] or fax 693-8885. Monday, January 30 — The increase awareness about HIV, Hepatitis C, diabetes and hypertension/heart disease, HOPE Inc. is conducting a series of screenings with information tables during the month of January. HOPE will be at Julius E. Sprauve School on January 30. Monday, January 30 — Governor John deJongh will deliver his annual State of the Territory Address before a formal session of the 29th Legislature on Monday, January 30. Senate President Ronald Russell will convene the Senate Session at 7 p.m. The Address will be delivered at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers. Thursday, February 2 — Woody’s Seafood Saloon is hosting the Second Annual Breakfast at Woody’s and just like Groundhog’s Day this once-ayear event will be on Thursday, February 2, from 7 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 3 — Senate President Ronald Russell invited the members of the 29th Legislature to join him for a re-scheduled Town Meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3, in Cruz Bay, St. John, to discuss property taxes and other issues of importance to residents. Saturday, February 4 — St. Ursula’s Multipurpose Center, in conjunction with St. Ursula’s Anglican Church, is hosting a Second Chance Sale on Saturday, February 4. Saturday, February 11 — Relay for Life at the Winston Well Ball Field on Saturday, February 11, at 4 p.m. for 18 hours of friendship, food and fun and help to make a difference! Tuesday, February 14 — The public is invited to Trunk Bay on Tuesday, February 14, for the annual Celebration of Love. St. John barefoot minister Anne Marie Porter will lead a vow renewal ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday, February 18 — The V.I. Audubon Society is hosting its 15th annual plant sale on Saturday, February 18, in the Nazareth Lutheran Church yard in Cruz Bay from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alcholics Anonymous Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous meets as scheduled: Sundays, 9:45 a.m. at Hawksnest Bay Beach; Closed meetings for alcoholics only at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay at 6 p.m on Tuesdays; Open meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Moravian Church, Coral Bay. Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Narcotics Anonymous has open meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Saturday at St. Ursula’s Church. Al-Anon Meetings Al-Anon meets on St. John every Monday at Scandic Executive Service's meeting room in Mongoose Junction from 6:30 to 7:30pm; and every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the VINP ball field bleachers. Warm line: 340-642-3263. OPPOSITE EFFECT ACROSS 1 Microwave brand 6 Elocution pro 12Where to trade used articles 20Actresses Rue and Ramirez 21Kid-lit “pest” 22Slim cigar 23He acquired 1,093 U.S. patents 25Drastic measures 26Fashionable Giorgio 27Bouncers’ requests 28Tree for a bark beetle 29— accompli (thing done) 30Wiped out 31Unlawfully loud sound 37Boss — (“The Dukes of Hazzard” role) 39Creature catchers 40“Milk” Oscar winner Penn 41Entreat 44Waitress at Mel’s Diner 46Boise-to-Phoenix dir. 47German “a” 48Post- opposite 51Moo shu and fu yung, e.g. 55Little — (small fry) 56Lab rodent 57Giving sort 58Hebrides isle 59Global financial org. 60“— la vie” 61Top-billing sharers 63Pants folds 67Kansas city 9Area with lots of lofts 6 72Nor’easters, e.g. 74Eyeballer 75Joy, for one 78With 109-Down, military centers 79“Conan” airer 81Be on a slant 83New, to Juan 84Poolroom stick 85Big beagle feature 86Judge’s rejection 90He’s a real doll 91Lilted song syllable 92Rainbow part 93Cameron of “In Her Shoes” 94Three, in Bari 95Killer serves 96Perfect 99Individuals 101 It’s often given by business suppliers for bulk ordering 106 Melville whaler 110 Baldwin of “The Edge” 111 Suffix with salt 112 Catering vessel 113 91-Across follower, perhaps 115 Opened, as an envelope 118 They’re hidden in this puzzle’s six longest answers 121 Revealed 122 Meets with old classmates 123 Unsensible 124 When required 125 Is napping 126 Big parties DOWN 1 Take — at (attempt) 2 Olympic skier Phil 3 Sweet smell 4 Football great Joe 5 Comfortable — old shoe 6 Galena, e.g. 7 Circle lines 8 In among 9 One hurling something 10Lady with Lennon 11Legged it 12Wheat sold in healthfood stores 13Madame Tussauds, e.g. 14Colony critter 15Duffer’s goal 16Tennis great Edberg 17Virile dude 18— acid (fat substance) 19Cut and — 24Scorches 28Tricky curves 32Monstrous 33Bit of pepper 34“— dixit” 35Notify again 36Makes taboo 38Kind of pitch 41Electrically flexible 42“Scat!” 43Sisters and aunts, e.g. 45Hoopla 48Most beautiful 49Skin problem 50Disk attachment? 52Document validator 53Enter via keyboard 54Zesty dip 9Mag. edition 5 60Sticking plant 62Pull-off place 64At any time, to a bard 65One-named singer of “Someone Like You” 66Fatigued 68Treat as a celebrity 70Old spy gp. 71Tight feeling 72Bag 73Provable 76Completed 77Lymph bump 80Lingerie top 82Give support 85Scratch with acid 86Rebuke 87Autobahn auto 88Eyeballs 89Mickey of the diamond 95Consent (to) 97Contact lens brand 98Yarnell of Shields and Yarnell 100 Briny 101 Zahn of TV 102 Lower arm bones 103 Pine product 104 Completed 105 Diplomat in NYC, maybe 107 Lit into 108 Coeur d’—, Idaho 109 See 78-Across 114 “Yeah, right!” 116 “Honest” guy 117 Tyke 118 Monopoly buys: Abbr. 119 Electric — 120 Mil. draft org. St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 17 Employment PT cert massage therapist with table & transport to travel to villas on St John. Min 3 hour shift, call 340.690.2540. PT cooking instructor who can teach & cook 1 meal, West Indian recipes, for private villa 3-4 hours lunch or dinner, transport required, call 340.690.2540 PT photographer for weddings needed Call 340.600.2540 Steel pan musician needed for dinner/wedding entertainment. Call 340.690.2540. PT Basket weaving instructor call 340.690.2540 PT Yoga instructor for private instruction. Call 340.690.2540 Real Estate For Sale Cruz Bay Apartments, 20 unit apartment complex (6 one bedroom, 14 two bedroom) on St. John, USVI. Minimal acceptable bid is $3,800,000. The Property financed by USDA Rural Development, which may provide funding for purchase. Funding includes 100% rental assistance, 1% loan and $50,000 grant for expenses. All processing subject to USDA Rural Development regulations in 7 CFR 3560. Contact Cruz Bay Apartments, 21400 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 250 Sterling, VA 20166, attn: Roy Pingitore 703-406-3471 x119 for more details. Local USDA Rural Development Area office is St. Croix Area VII Office. (340-773-9146 x4) Buying? Selling? Renting? seeking? call 340-776-6496 Email [email protected] Get REsults! VISA & MC Accepted For Rent Coral Bay, Carolina Long Term, Furnished 2 Bed 2 Bath, Full Upper level, A/C in Bedrooms, Large covered deck, W&D, $1650/mth. Call Ron 715-853-9696 Large 2 BR Apartment in Bethany overlooking the Westin. Great views, A/C; Call 690-1104 Scenic Properties 340-693-7777 Cruz Bay Apartments: • One bedroom, one bath, in Cruz Bay $1400 • Two bedrooms, one bath, Fish Bay $1800 • Two bedrooms, one bath, A/C, in Cruz Bay $2200 • Two bedrooms, two bath, Gift Hill $2000 Coral Bay Apartments • One bedroom, one bath $900 • One bedroom, one bath $1100 Check out www.stjohnlive. com for more details. Commerical/Office/Storage Space Available Commercial Space Available At The Lumberyard Unusual Opportunity first floor space available Downtown Cruz Bay Where St. John Does Business For Space Call Nick 340-771-3737 Com/Office/Storage Apartments For Lease A/C, Washer/Dryer, balcony, clean, great location next to Westin, 1BR @ $1,250, 2BR @ $1,650-$1,750, Security & 1st mo. Month to Month lease available. Call Laurie at 779-1804 or 227-6688 New large 2 BR, large bath, off street parking, ceiling fans, microwave, security lights, spacious porch, gorgeous view overlooking Westin, $1600/month. 340-776-6331 or 678-715-1129 Chocolate Hole Apartment for Rent: Furnished, one-bedroom apartment for rent in Chocolate Hole. Long breezy deck, quiet and private. $1,000 includes electricity, laundry room, Wi-Fi. One person, non-smoking. 12-month lease, monthly afterward. $1,000 security and first month. Call 693-7093 or email [email protected]. EVERYTHING YOU NEED ON EVERY LEVEL GREAT PLACE TO SHOP, DINE AND WORK COME JOIN US WE HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE RETAIL or OFFICE 340-776-6455 Storage: Secured Lockers 4x6x7’ $80 mo. 643-3283 Public Notice Services 14-foot, 6-foot-eight-inch beam white boat, some red paint, located in Chocolate Hole north. Center console, hard bottom, deflated inflatable, holds no air. Call 344-6038. Get the picture with DISH NETWORK Always online with HUGHESNET Service on St. John [email protected] 340 779 4001 Boat Peter Bay found in Coral Bay. Vessel is 8’10” x 32’. Registration #VI9428TA Serial #XAU0500SJ293. Contact Irvin Stevens 340-201-3862. Wanted Looking to buy used weed whackers, chainsaws, pole saws, leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment. Call 340-643-2998. RELIABLE MOBILE AUTO REPAIR: Professional and experienced. Brakes, CV Joints, Suspensions, Shocks, Alternators, Timing Belts, General Engine, Repair, Foreign & Domestic. All Work Guaranteed. Call 227-9574 Next classified ADvertising Deadline is Thursday, Feb. 2nd 18 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 Panoramic Sunset Views 1/4 acre Gifft hill: Concrete roads • Underground electric Topographic survey • downhill build Panoramic westerly views of over 13 Islands Established neighbors $250,000.00 call owner 401.569.7447 Caribbean Providing professional rental management and marketing services for St. John’s finest vacation villas and condominiums. For reservations or brochures 1-800-338-0987 Villas & Resor t s MANAGEMENT CO. For St. John business call 340-776-6152 View our villas at www. c a r i b b e a n v i l l a . c o m Lumberyard Complex P.O. Box 458 St. John USVI 00831 Exceptional St. John Villa Offered Through Debbie Hayes ExcluSiVE rEal ESTaTE SErVicE in THE Virgin iSlanDS Debbie Hayes, GRi Licensed U.s. Virgin isLands reaL estate Broker/owner Office: 340 714 5808 Cell: Impressive Custom Built 5 bedrm/5 bath European-Style Villa located in Coral Bay with commanding water views. Fractional Ownership Possible. Offered at $2.5M DebbieHayes-TW VA 11.21.2011.indd 1 340 642 5995 [email protected] www.StJohnVIRealEstate.com 11/17/11 8:01 AM St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 19 St. Thomas/St. John Auction Completes First Round of Deliquent Property Tax Sale St. John Tradewinds The Division of Real Property Tax, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, has completed the territory’s first round of delinquent property auctions with the conclusion of the St. Thomas/St. John district auction, which was hosted on Wednesday, January 25, at the GERS Building in St. Thomas. Seven properties — six on St. Thomas and one on St. John — were auctioned. On January 18, five properties were presented for auction on St. Croix. These sales represent a small portion of the more than 1,000 properties that were originally identified as delinquent in property tax payments for 10 or more years. Because of the number of properties involved, the Division of Real Property Tax has scheduled the auctions to take place over several months. The next round of auctions for both districts is expected to take place in March. Delinquent property owners are reminded to contact the Tax Collector’s Office in their respective district to make arrangements for payment in order to avoid the sale of their properties. Property owners whose properties are in probate are also asked to file their cases with the Recorder of Deeds Office in their respective district. For more information, contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 776-6737 on St. John. Wedding Wire Selects Bartolucci for Choice Awards for Third Straight Year St. John Tradewinds WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding Marketplace, announced last week that Mary Bartolucci of Island Style Weddings was selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Wedding Coordination for the third year in a row. The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Island Style Weddings was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients. Bartolucci of Island Style Weddings of St. John is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of more than 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year. “WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry.” “It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Island Style Weddings for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples,” said Chi. “We are happy to announce that Mary Castle Bartolucci of Island Style Weddings is one of the very best Wedding Coordinator within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee.” For more information visit Bartolucci’s website at www.islandstyleweddings.com or call 340774-1484. To learn more about the Bride’s Choice Awards™, visit www.WeddingWire.com. “The Company that gives back to St. John” Complete Real estate seRviCes • st. JoHN’s olDest Real estate FiRm • seRviNg st. JoHN FoR 50 YeaRs! “CINNAMON BAY ESTATE” borders Ntnl Park in Catherineberg, private, gated setting, 3 bdrms, 23 ft wall of glass & outstanding views. Spacious living areas, wrap around decks, expansive sundeck, large pool, elevated spa & covered dining. $3,999,000 “TRE VISTA ESTATE’’ The perfect luxury retreat on St. John. An elegant villa with classic style in a great setting of views a n d breezes. $3,900,000 BEACHFRONT “VILLA ST. JOHN” a luxury 6 bedroom pool villa has sand beach plus STUNNING views! Great rental or residence with potential for family compound. Moor your boat here $3,450,000 too! “VISTAERO” offers total privacy with breathtaking views over Rendezvous Bay & St. Thomas. 5 spacious bedroom suites, huge pool, gazebo & hot tub make this a $1,875,000 top rental villa. “SEAVIEW” vacation villa. Charming 4 Bedroom, masonry home in excellent condition with large pool in convenient Chocolate Hole with deeded rights to two nearby beaches. $949,000 “VILLA INTIMASEA” a beautiful newer Chocolate Hole 4 bedroom pool villa has 180 degree water views! Great rental or residence with potential for family compound. Access to 2 beaches & din$1,825,000 ghy landing. VILLA MOLLO” A nature lovers dream, walk to 2 beaches! 3BR/2BA villa sits on the water’s edge of a salt pond and features c u s t o m stone and wood work and amazing Carib$595,000 bean views. “WHALE WATCH” – Enjoy pristine East End in this lovely, 2 bedroom villa with big water views. Downstairs apartment offers additional living & income space. Hear the sound of the waves lapping $1,275,000 below. “DAY DREAM IN UPPER CAROLINA” Fabulous views - Coral Bay to BVI in masonry 3 bdrm/3.5 bath Majestic Mile home. New furnishings, private pool & bdrm suites, hot tub, stone/ brick landscaping, solar hot water, shutters, custom cabinets & 10k generator. Cute wood cottage (NC) $1,000,000 on property. “WILD ORCHID VILLA” in Skytop features privacy and amazing 270’ panoramic views! Flexible floorplan 4 bdrm, 2 level villa is custom crafted in exotic hardwoods & stonework. Awesome sunrises! Beautiful sunsets! $980,000 Cool breezes! “SAGO COTTAGE” adorable Caribbean style masonry cottage with w o n d e rful down island v i e w s and great rental his$975,000 tory. “BEST BUY MUST SELL!” Newer masonry Flanagan’s Passage income producing 2x2 with flexible floor plan, spectacular water views to BVIs, easterly breezes and end of $499,000 road privacy! “UPPER CAROLINA” 3X3 – Recently upgraded & well kept house with 3 income producing units. Easy access to Cruz Bay and $495,000 beaches. “GRANDE BAY CONDOS” Enjoy life at this condo group in the center of town. Fullyfurnished with equipped kitchens, easy walking access to shops/restau1 bd/1 bth rants. Large pool deck, $715,000 fitness & reception cen3 bd/ 2 bth ter, indoor parking & el$949,000 evator service. “PASTORY CONDO” This 1 bd, 1 bth spacious condo overlooks Pillsbury Sound & St. Thomas sunsets. Newly renovated kitchen & bath, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, mahogany doors, windows, pool & lush landscaping. $372,000 VD D PR IC E D VD RE DU CE D! V D PR IC E WATERFRONT “VILLA BELVEDERE” (3x3.5) privacy, pool & spa, plus deeded access to HOA dock on Great Cruz Bay. Quiet neighborhood, mesmerizing sunset $2,300,000 views! PR IC E “VILLA ANDREA” in gated Virgin Grand Estates HAS IT ALL! Panoramic water views in a private setting, 4 m a s t e r suites, A/C throughout, and a large pool with expansive decks. $2,450,000 RE D DU CE D! “HALF MOON HOUSE” Reef Bay Beachfront is the dramatic setting for this uniquely modern home. Extremely private with incomparable views and masterful construction throughout, this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home is an artistic statement in a Call for details world class setting. RE DU CE D! D VD Located at the Marketplace • (340) 776-6776 • (340) 774-8088 • [email protected] Toll Free: 1-800-905-6824 • www.HolidayHomesVI.com LOTS OF LAND LISTINGS!! MOTIVATED SELLERS!! SOME SELLER FINANCING!! CALABASH BOOM ESTATE MANDAHL $85,000 PRIVATEER BAY/HANSEN BAY hillside & WATERFRONT from $199,000 UPPER MONTE BAY hillsides from $799,000 SAUNDERS GUT two WATERFRONT lots $345,000 each hillside $475,000 ALSO ESTATE CAROLINA from $115,000 SABA BAY 19 ac. WATERFRONT $9,990,000 BOATMAN PT./RENDEzVOUS WATERFRONT $825,000 from $2,000 per week CONCORDIA PRESERVE from $275,000 PETER BAY/NORTHSHORE from $499,000 WESTIN TIMESHARES from $1,500,000 VIRGIN GRAND ESTATES FROM $69,000 DREEkETS BAY hillside & WATERFRONT from $300,000 LOVANGO CAY from $365,000 ONE MONTH FRACTIONALS WATERFRONT South shore from $285,000 CHOCOLATE HOLE For a complete list oF all st. John mls properties, DVD tours oF the properties, anD/or a copy oF our newsletter call or e-mail us. [email protected] • Approved supplier of real estate for the VI Economic Development Commission. HH-2RVSD TW 1.30.12.indd 1 1/26/12 12:15 PM 20 St. John Tradewinds, January 30-February 5, 2012 Package Trailer Closed at Post Office Continued from Page 3 “First and foremost I would suggest that customers be patient because we are working hard to assess the situation behind the scenes,” said Marion. “Then we always tell our customers to call our 1-800 number because it really helps and people really listen to the comments.” Calls to the 1-800-275-8777 number are recorded and the messages are listened to by the top brass at USPS, Marion added. “If 10 or 15 people call with the same issue coming out of the post office, that infor- mation goes upstream and goes a long way to helping us improve service,” she said. There are more actions being taken behind the scenes to improve service and the decision to close the package trailer was not made on St. John, Marion explained. “I hope that people will be patient and know that while the local office is going to be a part of the remedy, they are not immediately able to make a day-one change,” she said. “We are working on the issues here and there are things going on behind the scenes to improve service.” St. John Tradewiinds News Photo by Jaime Elliott Customers at the Cruz Bay Post Office last week reported waiting in line for more than 45 minutes to just pick up a package.